Out of Sight, Not Out of Mind - a qualitative study of the remote leadership within geriatric home care

Abstract

This study will examine how managers within two geriatric home care services work with motivation and communication towards employees. Further on, the study aims at investigating if the physical distance impact on the level of motivation and the process of communication. With support from theories about motivation and communication along with interviews, the analysis will fall into a discussion of the aim. Lastly, a few suggestions for improvements in the management will be presented for practitioners within the geriatric home care business. The research shows the importance of a well-performed work with motivation and communication when leading in a physical distance. By being aware of the challenges of motivation and communication when leading from afar, a manager could increase job performance. This study indicates how the employees in the specific geriatric home care services have an intrinsic motivation that is not stimulated by the managers. However, the study will present other ways for the managers to motivate their employees. Further on, different tools and channels for communication are not in the greatest of interest of the employees in specific geriatric home care services. Consequently, the managers have to continuously work with scheduled face-to-face meeting and their level of availability.